Magical theater: 'The Full Monty' fast-paced, very funny

Jeanne' McCartin

Thursday

Jun 14, 2012 at 2:00 AMJun 15, 2012 at 8:28 AM

As the woman leaving the theater said: "that was slammin'!"

As the woman leaving the theater said: "that was slammin'!"

"The Full Monty" is just that, and more; a fast-paced, very funny, well-scripted, smartly produced piece, with incredible talent on and off stage. It's bared souls and naked butts making magical theater.

Nutshell synopsis: Six unemployed male steelworkers are talked into creating a striptease act to make cash by Jerry, who is about to lose his son if he doesn't pay child support. His best buddy Dave is dealing with a double blow to the ego, no job and overweight, and is a very hesitant participant.

The remainder of this motley crew, dubbed "Hot Metal," includes the former boss who has hidden his layoff from his wife for six months, an older black man with a hip problem, two young, lonely guys; one tied to his ill mother, both short a screw or two.

The tunes are lively and lovely and the lyrics smart, and multi-layered. They're performed by a tight, apt band directed by William (Bill) Asher. Given the delivery, every tune seems a highlight.

There are lots of laughs. But what makes this show really work are its relationships and fleshed out emotional lives.

This production's talent is jaw-dropping. It features fresh and familiar faces, some of the latter as you've never seen them before.

David Demato* is perfect as Jerry the flawed protagonist. Everything is right from the believable charm that gets people to follow, to the poignant moments. And then there's that lovely, warm voice, which melts the heart during "Breeze Off the River."

Jamie Bradley as Dave, Jerry's best pal, is both hilarious and moving. He's spot-on as the loyal, loving guy filled with insecurity. He'll steal your heart.

Chris Bradley as Harold, the uptight former plant manager, is delightful and tops his best during the sidesplitting home-rehearsal scene.

Tommy Labanaris is Malcolm, who still lives with mom. Labanaris is exceptional at everything he does. But when he sings you're moved at times to tears, other times to laughter. His "You Walk with Me," is one of the show's highlights, and in the case of this production, that's saying something.

Andrew Bridges plays Ethan, the foil among foils, to great effect. It's a winning performance. He too brings great chops, which when added to Labanaris in "You Walk" makes it all the more something to savor.

Jeremy Abram, as "Horse," is delightful, busts a move and dazzles, it's the kind of performance that makes you smile. He also has the needed acting and vocals.

Meredith Freeman-Caple nails Jeannette, the scene-stealing, crusty old pro piano player with an attitude, and a penchant for fun. Them's some great comedic chops!

Liam R. Blanchard is Nathan, Jerry's boy, and he is everything this character should be, a heartwarming kid. Blanchard, still a child, has acted for years. This performance with its deft physical language marks this young man as a talent.

The ladies have less time, but no less talent, and they all leave a large impression.

Kelley is as always adept, and soars when she graces us with those incredible pipes. Dulong, who regularly wows, pushes herself and us even further with this priceless portrayal of quirky Vicki, and her show-stopping "Life with Harold," performance. Oh, and when Kelley and Dulong do a duet — boggling.

Kudos to Steven Riley, as Keno, the male stripper, and to the very talented ensemble; each richening the whole.

Director Crag Faulkner, (who deftly performs the small role of Teddy, Jerry's wife's new guy), rocks this one out. There is the impeccable casting and beyond that — well everything is right: vision, staging, blocking, transitions and character development. When the scene calls for big, he complies, when it's intimate he aptly pulls it in. Great piece of work.

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